Cao Zhen

Cao Zhen (?-231) was an officer of Wei and Cao Cao's nephew, and was left in charge by Cao Pi. He led the army against Zhuge Liang's campaign and was soundly defeated. He was taunted in a letter and died of indignation.

Biography
Cao Zhen was born in Peiguo, Yu Province, China, a distant nephew of Cao Cao. His father Cao Shao was killed before he could join his uncle during his campaign against the tyrannical Dong Zhuo, who held Emperor Xian hostage. Cao Zhen was adopted as Cao Cao's son after his father's death, and he resided with Cao Cao's heir Cao Pi and another nephew of Cao Cao's, Cao Xiu.

Cao Zhen's first combat posting was the commander of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, despite having health problems (obesity). In 219 AD, he fought in the Battle of Hanzhong. After Xiahou Yuan's death, Cao Zhen was given the task of retaking Yangping Gate with Xu Huang, but he was defeated by Gao Xiang's army, serving Liu Bei. In 220 AD, when Cao Pi declared himself the Emperor of Cao Wei, Cao Zhen was made General Who Guards the West and was charged with defending Yong Province and Liang Province. In 222 AD he was made Grand General of the Supreme Army, managing all domestic and foreign affairs.

During Cao Pi's invasions of Eastern Wu in 222-224 AD, Cao Zhen, Zhang He, Xu Huang, and Xiahou Shang besieged the city of Jiangling, defended by Zhu Ran and only 5,000 Wu troops. Zhu Ran destroyed most of Cao Zhen's siege engines, and as his commanders also failed, he was forced to retreat. He was demoted to "Grand General of the Central Army", but in 227 AD Emperor Cao Rui promoted him to Supreme General. Cao Zhen defeated Zhuge Liang at the Battle of Mt. Qi and the Siege of Chencang, and he ordered Hao Zhao and Wang Sheng to garrison Chencang.

In 231 AD, Cao Zhen planned to lead an offensive into Hanzhong, but heavy rain hampered his progress. He died while on his way back to Luoyang from illness.